Inspired by the bold and spicy flavors of the Lone Star State, these Texas Nachos are loaded with deliciousness in every bite. Each chip is pre-loaded with the perfect amount of beans, cheese, and jalapeño! This is a quick and easy recipe that uses store-bought tortilla chips, so there’s no need to deep fry anything yourself.
You won’t find a sad chip without toppings in this nacho pile! Texas nachos are perfect for game days, backyard BBQs, or a movie night at home.
Table of Contents
About This Recipe
Since moving to the Lone Star State, we’ve been introduced to Texas nachos and we can never go back! Long gone are the days of nachos piled high where some sad chips end up without any toppings.
While there’s nothing wrong with a big pile of nachos, these individually topped Texas Nachos are a revelation.
They are the ultimate appetizer or party snack that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a game day or just craving a hearty and satisfying snack, Texas-style nachos are sure to please.
(If you’re curious about the history of Texas nachos, Homesick Texan has a great synopsis!)
Tips to Keep in Mind
Use high-quality tortilla chips. Choose thick and sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up well under the weight of the toppings.
Go big on the cheese. Texas nachos are known for their gooey, melty cheese. Use a generous amount of shredded cheese to create a luscious cheese layer.
Show some restraint when topping. We like our Texas nachos a bit loaded, but not overly-loaded. The perfect bite has the right blend of refried beans, cheese, and jalapeño without going overboard. Less is more!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Tortilla chips. You can make your own or use store bought, just make sure to use sturdy large chips that can stand up to the toppings.
- Refried beans. You can make your own refried beans or use your favorite store bought.
- Cheese. I use a mix of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the perfect blend of flavor and meltiness. Whatever cheese you use, make sure to grate it by hand using a box grater versus using pre-shredded cheese which doesn’t melt as well.
- Pickled jalapeños. The acidity and tang from the pickled jalapeños is a must!
- Red onions. You can use fresh or pickled red onions.
- Mexican crema. A drizzle of Mexican crema adds a cool and creamy contrast to the beans and cheese. You could also use a bit of sour cream.
- Cilantro. Fresh cilantro adds the perfect pop of freshness!
Tools You’ll Need
Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Texas Nachos
You don’t need any fancy tools or equipment to make Texas nachos! All you need is a rimmed baking sheet and all your favorite toppings!
- Individually top the tortilla chips. Arrange the chips on a baking sheet and top each with a swipe of refried beans, a sprinkling of gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and a thinly sliced pickled jalapeño.
- Bake until bubbling. After 10 or so minutes in the oven, the chips are hot and melty!
- Add your toppings. To finish it off, we drizzle them with a bit of Mexican crema, top with onions, and finish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy your nachos right out of the oven, while the cheese is still hot and gooey. Serving them immediately ensures that they’re at their peak deliciousness.
Jenny’s Tip: Wash down these nachos with a creamy coconut margarita or a frozen strawberry mango margarita. Both cocktails can be made in a big pitcher if you have company over!
Ways to Customize Your Nachos
- Try some meats. Adding some small diced grilled chicken, carne asada, or shredded brisket is a great way to bulk up your nachos!
- Keep it simple. The key toppings for these nachos are refried beans, cheese, and pickled jalapeños. You can stop there, if desired, and enjoy the nachos in their purest form.
- Use different toppings. For a non-traditional Texas nacho, add shredded lettuce, diced tomato, or any other favorite nacho toppings that you typically like to use.
Texas Nachos are the perfect game day or party snack! They’re a little more work up front, but man you can’t beat that flavor! If you do give them a try, be sure to let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter and never miss a new recipe! You can also snap a photo & tag @JENNYGOYCOCHEA on Instagram. I LOVE hearing about & seeing your SMF creations!
More Tex-Mex Appetizers
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Loaded Texas Nachos Recipe
Ingredients
- 30-40 corn tortilla chips
- 1 1/2 cups refried beans
- 2/3 cup shredded mild cheddar
- 2/3 cup shredded monterrey jack cheese
- 1 (12 oz) can or jar of sliced pickled jalapeños
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red or pickled onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 400ºF.
- Lay the tortilla chips in an even layer on a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Spread each chip with a dollop of refried beans.
- Top evenly with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Top each chip with a thin slice of pickled jalapeños.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Arrange the nachos on a plate and top with red onion, cilantro, and a drizzle of Mexican crema.
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